Cy-Fair ISD Bans Student Cell Phones and Personal Devices Meet New Texas Law
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is making a major change that will affect many students and families starting in the 2025-2026 school year. In response to a new state law designed to cut down on classroom distractions and keep students focused on learning, the district will prohibit the use of all personal communication devices—everything from cell phones to smartwatches—during the entire school day.
The move is part of a growing statewide and national effort to create more focused learning environments and address concerns about bullying, privacy, and academic disruption linked to personal device use in schools.
What the Law Requires
House Bill 1481, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, mandates that all school districts adopt policies prohibiting student use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. The law defines personal devices broadly to include cell phones, smart watches, Bluetooth-enabled audio devices, non-district-issued tablets, and gaming devices with messaging or internet capabilities.
The legislation also requires districts to establish secure, out-of-sight storage areas for devices during instructional time. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, aligning closely with the start of the new academic year for most districts across the state.
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How CFISD Is Implementing the Policy
Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, CFISD will prohibit the use of all personal communication devices on campus during the school day. Students must turn off devices and store them in personal bags or backpacks at all times. This policy applies to all grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through high school, and covers instructional periods, passing times, and lunch breaks.
Exceptions will be made for students with documented medical conditions requiring monitoring, with accommodations available through campus administration and school nurses. In emergencies, students may use school phones located in front offices or nurse stations.
What Experts Say
Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have long warned that smartphones and similar devices distract students, contribute to in-class bullying, and disrupt focus. Research from multiple countries has linked device bans to academic improvements and, in some cases, reduced bullying incidents. However, the AAP notes that no single approach works for all schools, emphasizing the importance of clear policies, parental support, and equitable technology access for students with learning or health needs.
A Pew Research survey from July 2025 found growing public support for these restrictions, with 44% of U.S. adults favoring a full-day school phone ban and 74% supporting classroom-only restrictions.
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What Parents Should Do
CFISD is asking parents to take proactive steps to support students in adjusting to this policy:
- Discuss the law and district policy with your child before the school year begins.
- Ensure devices remain off and stored during school hours.
- Keep contact information updated in the district’s eSchool system for emergency communications.
- Reach out to campus administration with questions or to request accommodations.
The district also reminds parents that CFISD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including those confiscated for policy violations.
Looking Ahead
CFISD joins school systems nationwide navigating how to balance technology’s educational benefits with its potential for distraction. District officials urge families to review the updated Personal Communication Devices FAQ and work together to ensure a smooth transition when school resumes in August 2025.
For more information, families are encouraged to visit the CFISD website at cfisd.net and stay connected through official district communications.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage on Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.